Physiotherapy Research and Rehab Centre Opens
July 14, 2010
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Archbishop of Madang Catholic Archdiocese, Bishop William Kurtz blessing the DWU Physiotherapy Research and Rehabilitation Centre. Assisting the Bishop carry the holy water is DWU vice president academic, Br Andrew Simpson. |
Sir Peter Barter cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the DWU Physiotherapy Research and Rehabilitation Centre at the Madang campus recently. |
Head of the DWU Physiotherapy Department, Dr Karthikeyan P Ramalingam (left) introducing one of the modern equipments in the centre to Sir Peter Barter and Ian Aipet of the DWU-based National Disability Research and Advocacy Centre (NDRAC). |
Divine Word University opened its Physiotherapy Research and Rehabilitation Centre, which apart from treating people needing physiotherapy treatment, will also be used to teach and research into this area of medical science.
The facility to be managed by the University’s Physiotherapy Department of the Faculty of Health Science offers services to those suffering from conditions that require physiotherapeutic treatment.
It is equipped to treat patients with pains associated with neck, back, shoulder and knee, congenital problems, disabilities like cerebral palsy, stroke, paraplegia and breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis and sports injuries including strains and pain.
The centre was blessed by the Catholic Archbishop of Madang William Kurtz and officially opened by the DWU Council Member, Sir Peter Barter on behalf of the council chairman Dr Father Garrett Roche.
Sir Peter praised the University for setting another milestone in providing service to the people and the country with the opening of the Physiotherapy Research and Rehabilitation Centre.
Sir Peter said DWU has pioneered in offering the first in-country training of physiotherapists and applauded non-government agencies such as Callan Services, and others of their partnership with the University to provide needy services as in physiotherapy training and treatment.
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Pioneer graduates of the DWU physiotherapy program singing the PNG national anthem during the opening of the Centre. Three of the pioneer graduates are teaching fellows at the Physiotherapy Department. |
Bougainville students providing traditional entertainment. |
DWU vice president academic, Br Andrew Simpson said physiotherapy is a new medical service available in the country and the University was pleased to pioneer the training of professionals in this field.
Br Simpson commended the many partners including the NGOs, the hospitals and staff for contributing to the development of the physiotherapy program.
He said the centre will be yet another contribution to services provided by DWU to the community of Madang and PNG.
“To date there been 43 graduates move into the field of physiotherapy within the hospital system (since the program opened at DWU in 2003).
Physiotherapy will not only remain simply within the hospital system but will quickly move also into the private health sector as well.
“Already I note also physiotherapy graduates providing rehabilitation services to sporting teams and other groups,” Br Simpson said.
The clinic, which is located at the main Madang campus, is well equipped with the basic to modern technology to treat patients where treatment will be provided by qualified and well-trained physiotherapists.
The centre will ensure appropriate handling techniques and holistic care, give special concession for prolonged disabled patients and ensure simple exercises were taught with appropriate advice and instructions.
The centre is charging very modest fee for each consultation and service provided to the public.
